Communications Information

* Clarifying your message 
* Planning promotions strategically 
* Creating tools and resources to reach your audience 
* We aim to reflect the core values of Welcome, Worship, Disciple, and Serve in every message we help share.  

* Bulletin & newsletter placement 
* Website updates and blogs
* Social media posts and scheduling 
* Design event flyers, signage, and slides 
* Photography, video production, and livestream support 
* Sermon series and seasonal campaigns 
* Sunday slides and announcement graphics
*On campus TVs and digital Signage 
*Design and Coordinate promotional item projects and tshirts 
*Plan external promotion and publicity such as billboards, radio, and local media. 
*Assist with tech troubleshooting 
*Event production - slides, lights, sound, etc. 

Understanding how our planning cycle works is essential to achieving the strategic and timely communications needed to keep things running smoothly.
We know things come up—and that’s okay! But please try to keep our structure in mind and communicate with us as early as possible, even if you're just thinking you might have something coming.
The earlier we hear from you, the more opportunities we have to include your event or project across all channels.
We’re juggling requests from all ministries, and it’s much easier to remove something last-minute than to scramble to add it later. 

Important: We will not begin creating promotional materials (graphics, slides, etc.) until you are set on the event name, time, date, and location. These details get distributed across multiple platforms and can't be changed easily once published—so please lock in your basics first. 

We plan in three layers: 
1. Seasonal (Term) – Big picture planning every 4 months (Winter/Spring/Lent, Summer, Fall/Advent) Winter & Spring (Jan–April), Summer (May–Aug), Fall & Advent (Sept–Dec) - Mapped 6–8 weeks ahead of term start 
2. Monthly – Check-in, finalize timelines, fill in gaps 
3. Weekly – Bulletins printed, slides, website updates, and reminders go live; bulletin content due Fridays (1+ week prior)

Submission Deadlines Cheat Sheet
Bulletin Announcements: Due Friday (9+ days before Sunday run date)    
Newsletter Items: Submit by Monday to run that week’s Thursday edition    
Major Event Designs: Begin design process 4–6 weeks before promotion begins (not the event date)    
Videos/Promos: Submit request at least 6 weeks before you want promotion to begin to allow for scripting, filming, and editing  

Thinking ahead not only ensures your event gets the promotion it deserves—it also allows us to intentionally align your messaging with other events or campaigns targeting similar audiences.  

When we have notice, we can create handouts, slides, and coordinated posts that connect your ministry with others happening around the same time.  

Submit your event request early (the earlier the better—2-3+ weeks minimum for small events, 4 months recommended for church wide and community focused events)  * Share all the details: Who it’s for, what it is, where, when, why it matters  

If you don’t have all the details yet—still tell us it’s coming so we can save the space in publications and work you in to the promo planning!  

Use your own voice too! Share verbally, post on social, and encourage your team to do the same.  

Have something beyond a regular announcement or event? Email hannah@fumcdothan.org and let us know it's a special project.  
This includes things like:    
- T-shirt designs    
- Custom logos    
- Storytelling or ministry highlights    
- Large signage or branding packages    
- Website or page updates    
- Special Handouts    
- Long-term campaigns or multi-part promotions   

Please be as specific as possible with your vision.  

 If you have an example—even if it’s from another church or a screenshot of something you liked—send it our way!  
The more we know about what you're envisioning, the better we can bring it to life.    
If it ties to an event, try to include it on your event form.    
Let’s work together to connect people to Christ through your ministry! 

Let’s work together to connect people to Christ through your ministry!